Induction-Driven Sensor for Contactless Cuvette Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laboratory systems for immunoassays require complex optical setups and direct electrical contact for sensing, making them unsuitable for high-throughput cuvette-based systems.
Innovation Solution
An induction-driven sensor with a low-power electrical element and remote power supply structure, utilizing graphene-based field effect transistors (GFETs) for wireless sensing, allowing for high-throughput analysis without direct electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical read-out systems are used for immunoassays, then sensing capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to lenses, cameras, and light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical read-out system (lenses, cameras, light sources) with an electrical sensing system. The electrical sensor element directly detects analytes in the sample, eliminating the need for complex optical components while maintaining sensing capability. This substitution reduces device complexity and cost.
2Device complexity
If electrical sensors are used for sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but direct electrical contact is required which complicates integration into cuvette-based systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an induction-driven power supply structure as an intermediary mechanism. This structure uses electromagnetic induction to wirelessly power the electrical sensor element through the cuvette wall, eliminating the need for direct electrical contact between the sensor and the external environment. The intermediary induction coupling enables easy integration into cuvette-based systems while maintaining the simplicity of electrical sensing.
3Ease of manufacture
If surface sensors are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but sensing depth is limited requiring direct contact with analyte
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level sensing to volumetric sensing by placing the electrical sensor element inside the cuvette, surrounded by the sample on all sides. This dimensional change allows the sensor to detect analytes throughout the sample volume rather than only at the surface, effectively increasing sensing depth while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If optical systems are used in high-throughput systems, then sensing is achieved, but environmental control (dark environment) is required to avoid background light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with an electrical sensing system that is inherently insensitive to background light. Electrical sensors detect analytes through electrical or electrochemical signals rather than optical signals, eliminating the need for controlled dark environments and reducing environmental sensitivity while maintaining sensing accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, low-maintenance, and cost-effective sensing in high-throughput systems by reducing the need for direct electrical connections and optical components, with reduced reagent use and improved stability against environmental interference.
Implementation Method 1
an induction driven power supply structure adapted to remotely power and read out the low power supply electrical sensor element
Implementation Method 2
at least one low power consumption electrical sensor element adapted to sense substances within a sample to be analysed
Data Source
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AI summary
An induction driven sensor (1) substances within a sample to be analysed filled within a sample container (5), said induction driven sensor (1) comprising at least one low power consumption electrical sensor element (2) adapted to sense substances within a sample to be analysed; and an induction driven power supply structure (3) adapted to remotely power and read out the low power supply electrical sensor element (2) .